When U.S. News & World Report released its 2016 list of the best high schools in the nation last month, the island high school stood out among top performers.

BHS now ranks No. 5 in Washington state, ascending from two consecutive years at No. 7., and, nationally, is considered the 274th best, which is a notable improvement from the No. 321 spot conferred on the high school last year.

BHS also earned a national STEM ranking of No. 154 for student participation and performance on Advanced Placement math and science exams.

“We are truly honored to be featured as one of the top schools in Washington and the nation by U.S. News & World Report,” said BHS Principal Duane Fish. “Our students, staff and families continue to dedicate themselves toward making the high school experience at Bainbridge High School second to none for every student. I couldn’t be prouder of our progress and collective achievement.”

The U.S. News & World Report and North Carolina-based research firm RTI International started their study with 28,561 public high schools. After eliminating schools too small to analyze, they evaluated 19,908 schools on the basis of state assessment performance, graduation rates and college readiness.

“Bainbridge Islanders have a lot to say — but remarkably little influence — when it comes to development on the island.

Sadly, history has shown that to be true.

Sure, some can note the extensive opportunities that islanders have had during the city’s ongoing rewrite of its comprehensive plan, the expansive policy document that will guide growth and development on the island over the next two decades.

But when the rubber hits the road — or more precisely, before the shovel hits the dirt — residents arguably have little chance to change or influence a development project for the better.

History has also shown that for all the input citizens have offered on Bainbridge’s comp plan, the real controls and limits on development are actually set in stone during the update of the city’s development regulations. It’s there where the height limits, landscaping requirements and other standards for development are set. The lesson of the Visconsi development is just the most recent painful reminder of what can be built under existing development rules.

Islanders have not been pleased with development that has occurred on Bainbridge, a point brought home during the recent citizen survey that showed just a 40 percent positive rating for development on the island.

In the months ahead, the city will take up the prospect of development of the city-owned Suzuki property.

Now comes a real chance — one of the best opportunities in years, we think — for Bainbridge residents to determine what happens on a significant undeveloped piece of property.

Views on how to develop the land, or not, run the gamut. How should the Suzuki property be developed? We say, let the public decide.

Four options are on the table — three that include extensive housing components which could offer affordable housing — but the city council is currently in control of what proposal may actually get the green light.

If city officials are genuine in wanting to develop further trust between city hall and its citizenry, however, it should put the development of the Suzuki property up for an advisory vote.

Put all of the options on the ballot, and let citizens decide the fate of the property.

The proponents for each development proposal will then have the chance to explain, and justify, why their approach is best to the entire community, rather than merely convince four of seven council members.”

Bainbridge Island’s July 4th celebration, plugged last year on the Today Showfor its small-town charm, is now in its 48th year. The big day is organized by the Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce, with help from dozens of volunteers and generous sponsors.

Schedule of Events

Traditional Pancake Breakfast | 7-11 a.m. | Town & Country parking lot
Pound some pancakes to get ready for a full day of activities (or to recover from that July 3rd Street Party hangover). With pancakes, they’re serving scrambled eggs, ham, coffee, tea, and OJ. Proceeds benefit the Bainbridge High School Boosters Club, runs from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. in Town & Country Market’s west parking lot. Tables and chairs provided.

Family Fun Run | 7:30 a.m. registration at Winslow Green | Races at 9 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 10:30 a.m.| Sponsored by Bainbridge Youth Services| Runs begin at the corner of Winslow Way and Madison Avenue
Register starting at 7:30 at Winslow Green. The 1-mile run begins at 9 a.m.; the 5K run begins at 9:15 a.m.; and the Kids Dash begins at 10:30 a.m. Preregister here.

Stars & Strikes Old Timers Baseball Game | 9:30 a.m. | Bainbridge High School field
This Island tradition is in its 11th year. Baseball high school and Little League coaches and parents aged 25-55 play.